Washington Women’s Rowing Claims Victory at the 2025 Windermere Cup

SEATTLE – In a display of remarkable athleticism and team cohesion, the University of Washington (UW) women’s varsity eight clinched their 28th Windermere Cup title on May 3, 2025, during the Windermere Cup/Opening Day Regatta held at Montlake Cut. This victory highlighted a dominant performance, as the Huskies swept all six women’s collegiate races on the day.

Event Overview

Amidst a vibrant atmosphere, with thousands of spectators lining the racecourse and crowding nearby boats, the UW crews finished their home and regular seasons with an impressive feat—victory in all 11 collegiate races, including the pivotal Windermere Cup events.

Championship Race Details

The No. 3-ranked Huskies faced off against New Zealand and No. 16-ranked Indiana in the final race. The starting line saw all three crews vying for lead positions, but by the 500-meter mark, UW was slightly ahead. As the race progressed, New Zealand, featuring former UW rower Ella Cossill, surged into contention. Ultimately, Washington crossed the finish line in 6:09.827, securing a notable victory ahead of New Zealand (6:14.693) and Indiana (6:25.655).

Coaching Insights

“We made excellent strides in all boats,” said UW women’s head coach Yasmin Farooq. “Every member of the squad was committed to strengthening each aspect of the race. It was validating to see our teams perform at such a high level in front of a passionate Windermere Cup crowd.”

Rowers’ Perspective

UW sophomore Zola Kemp, representing New Zealand, expressed her excitement: “It’s definitely something I have never experienced before… lining up against these amazing women that I’ve looked up to so much.”

Additional Insights from the Regatta

The Huskies not only excelled in the premier events but also dominated in other categories, securing the top two positions in the women’s Erickson Cascade Cup with their second varsity and novice eights. Washington’s second varsity lineup prominently featured three athletes from New Zealand, showcasing the international influence in their ranks.

Upcoming Competitions

The next challenge for the Washington rowing team will be participating in their first-ever Big Ten Championship regatta in Indianapolis, followed two weeks later by the NCAA Championships scheduled from May 30 to June 1 at Mercer Lake in West Windsor, N.J.

Complete Lineups for UW

Varsity Eight

• Cox: Isabel Michaelson (Mukilteo, WA)
• Stroke: Megan Lee (Natick, MA)
• 7: Sally Jones (Victoria, BC, Canada)
• 6: Marilou Duvernay-Tardif (St. Jean-Baptiste, QC, Canada)
• 5: Aisha Rocek (Como, Italy)
• 4: Zola Kemp (Wellington, New Zealand)
• 3: Cillian Mullen (Tacoma, WA)
• 2: Chloe Sheppard (Tewkesbury, England, UK)
• Bow: Sophie Houston (Sydney, Australia)

Second Varsity Eight

• Cox: Grace Murdock (Roswell, GA)
• Stroke: Ava Meuleman (Seattle, WA)
• 7: Olivia Hay (Auckland, New Zealand)
• 6: Emma Waters (Galway, Ireland)
• 5: Jordan Freer (Lotus, CA)
• 4: Madeleine Parker (Napier, New Zealand)
• 3: Leah Nash (Chatham, MA)
• 2: Shakira Mirfin (Invercargill, New Zealand)
• Bow: Jess Weir (London, England, UK)

Novice Eight

• Cox: Taylor Inouye (Kailua, HI)
• Stroke: Liv Ormseth (Vashon Island, WA)
• 7: Marin Maycotte (Austin, TX)
• 6: Annelise Hahl (Cary, NC)
• 5: Grace Worthington (Grand Haven, MI)
• 4: Caroline Law (Bellingham, WA)
• 3: Maggie Ward (Madison, WI)
• 2: Emily Myers (Oxford, England, UK)
• Bow: Audrey Cronin (Roswell, GA)

Conclusion

The 2025 Windermere Cup showcased not only the skill and determination of the Washington rowing teams but also the vibrant community that supports the sport. With future races on the horizon, the Huskies are poised for continued success in the rowing season.